If you read my article: A Call to Love, you would know that I was at a women’s retreat for the latter half of march. Here, I was able to explore beautiful trails and scenery while spending quality time with friends. It’s been a full week since the start of that trip, so I would like to document some of the excursions, benefits, and lessons I learned while I was there.

Peace of Mind

It had been a while since I was able to just exist in the present. With the launch of my blog, Instagram, Facebook page, and Pinterest account, my mind had been consumed by the next article idea, post, or reel I wanted to create. 

Picture, I took at the retreat of fresh flower buds.

However, throughout the three-day retreat, I made new relationships, photographed the surrounding nature, and allowed my mind to be open. My thoughts were not weighed down by any responsibility other than to just be.

Every day, I found myself being able to truly relax. I want to learn some grounding techniques at home so that I can give my mind the same freedom it had at the retreat.

Friendships

I have been praying for around 2 years for a God-centered friend group. My heart’s desire was to be surrounded by peers who loved God in addition to fun adventures, road trips, food runs, and wholesome activities. Although the wait was long, I know it was necessary. During the retreat I was able to rekindle old friendships and create new ones. Using the revelations God had given me over the past 2 years, I changed how I viewed the potential within these relationships. Although I will expound more in an upcoming article, essentially, I chose to abandon my fear of rejection for the potential that these relationships could become something amazing.

Since changing my mindset towards having and maintaining friendships:

  • I have a two dinner dates.
  • I received a birthday invite.
  • I have a coffee “Catch-Up” session coming up.

…and more

I will of course give updates as the friendships either deteriorate or progress, but I believe that God is answering my prayer in his perfect timing.

Adventures

This trip had plenty of outdoor excursions. Me and a small group of friends went hiking in the surrounding woods and the walk was as rewarding as it was steep!

We didn’t get to see many animals, but we were able to find the prettiest deer!  I tried to capture it on camera, but it was a master in stealth. The moment I pointed my camera in its direction, it hid behind the surrounding forestry.

One of the angry ducks on their way to start some drama.

Aside from the newly budding flowers, my favorite part of the trails were the arguing ducks. Considering it was mating season, I like to think there was some adultery happening on the campgrounds amongst them. 

You would probably agree with me if you could have heard them bickering between each other. All you heard was the HONK HONK-ing of ducks back and forth from one side of the pond to the other. At times a couple of them would start physically accosting one another in battle, as if fighting for the hand of a ducky maiden.

Revelations

What I gleaned most from this retreat was the importance of love. Many of the actions I have taken since the retreat, though not long ago, have been based on my new understanding of love. You can read more here, but the position of love shifted within me from a fleeting priority to the driving force behind all that I do. 

Since the retreat, I have been challenging myself by asking how I can show the love of God to those around me. So far, it has been fun, but also terrifying.

I am constantly reminded that love, no matter how pure, always has the potential to be rejected. Yet, love is bold in its actions, pursuing its target as if the prospect of being shunned never crossed its mind. That is what I seek to be.

I want to be bold in my love! 

I am so grateful that I was able to stay at Carroway for the little time that I did. God was present throughout that conference, and based on the testimonies of other women, that hope was restored, and lives were changed. I can’t wait to go again next year, but until then, I will hold fast to the memories, friendships, and lessons I received.

Until next week!

With Love,

The Road Writer

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